Chapter 56: Forget Our Previous Unpleasantness

The Invitation Letter from "The Abyss" was like a horn call from the depths of darkness, heralding a more direct and dangerous conflict imminent. Qin Feng returned the tablet to Su Wenqian, his expression utterly unmoved.

"Reply to them," he said flatly, "I'm busy."

Su Wenqian paused slightly, then understood. Given Qin Zong's character, how could he possibly be swayed by such cryptic threats and obediently follow their demands? These two simple words—"I'm busy"—were not just a refusal, but a condescending sneer.

"Yes, Qin Zong. I'll handle it." Su Wenqian nodded and immediately arranged the reply, while upgrading security protocols for the estate and all related industries. Lin Xuan also needed synchronized information to prepare for possible retaliation from "The Abyss."

Setting aside "The Abyss" for now, Qin Feng's gaze returned to the "Guan Zhou" Invitation brought by Gu Qingcheng. Compared to the mysterious, hostile "The Abyss," this "Guan Zhou," potentially carrying relics of the Ancient Civilization, was undoubtedly more valuable—and subtly aligned with his mission tied to the Source Technology Imprint.

He needed to try the Music Score Invitation as soon as possible.

Just as Qin Feng was about to discuss the music score details further with Gu Qingcheng, the internal line rang—it was Tang Rou.

"Qin Zong, Mr. Ye Lingyun has arrived and wishes to meet with you," Tang Rou's voice carried a cool, professional detachment. "He says he came specifically to apologize for the previous unpleasantness."

Apologize? Qin Feng's eyebrow twitched slightly. Given Ye Lingyun's pride and arrogance, after being humiliated by the hundred-billion-dollar "ticket," would he really lower himself to come here in person? That wasn't his style at all.

"Let him in." Qin Feng wanted to see what trick the Ye Family heir was playing now.

Moments later, Ye Lingyun entered the study under Tang Rou's guidance. Unlike his gloomy demeanor that night at the concert, his face now bore a perfectly calibrated smile of apology, his posture humble, and in his hand he carried an elegantly ancient wooden box.

"Mr. Qin, I apologize for the intrusion," Ye Lingyun bowed slightly, his tone sincere. "At the Concert Hall, I was rash and spoke foolishly. After returning home, I reflected deeply and felt profound shame. I humbly ask you, with your great magnanimity, to forget our previous unpleasantness."

He gently placed the wooden box on the desk, opened it, revealing a set of exquisite, antique purple clay tea ware.

"A small token of apology, insufficient to express my regret. Knowing your refined tastes, this set of early Gu Jingzhou works is at least worthy of your notice—I humbly ask you to accept it." Ye Lingyun smiled, as if no discord had ever existed between them.

Qin Feng's gaze swept over the priceless tea set, but paid it no mind; he looked directly into Ye Lingyun's eyes: "Speak plainly. What is your purpose?"

Ye Lingyun's smile stiffened for a moment, then returned naturally. He sighed, his tone turning confiding: "Mr. Qin, you're straightforward—then I won't beat around the bush. I came here first to sincerely apologize, and second, to warn you: you may be targeted by an extremely dangerous organization."

"Oh?"

"The Abyss," Ye Lingyun lowered his voice, his expression grave. "This organization is mysterious, with global reach and no moral limits. They obsessively pursue advanced technology and mysterious relics. Through certain Special Channels, I learned they're deeply interested in you—and in the technologies you control."

He watched Qin Feng's reaction closely, but found the man's face utterly expressionless, as if listening to a story unrelated to himself.

Ye Lingyun inwardly tensed and continued: "This organization is relentless and will stop at nothing. I know you're powerful, Qin Zong, but it's easy to dodge a spear, hard to avoid a hidden arrow. Our Ye Family, in certain areas, might offer assistance that official channels cannot provide. It's always better to have one more friend than one more enemy, don't you agree?"

His words, though seemingly concerned, carried multiple intentions: showing goodwill, demonstrating the Ye Family's intelligence network and influence, and attempting to position the Ye Family as Qin Feng's "ally" against "The Abyss," thereby reestablishing contact and waiting for an opportunity.

Forget the previous unpleasantness? It was merely a more circuitous, covert strategy after weighing the benefits.

Qin Feng listened, then gave Ye Lingyun a cool glance—his eyes seemed to pierce through the carefully crafted smile straight to the man's core.

"Your warning has been received," Qin Feng said without inflection. "Take the tea set. I don't need it."

He neither accepted the apology nor rejected the so-called "warning"—he simply returned the gift, his stance clear and distant.

Ye Lingyun's smile finally cracked. He hadn't expected Qin Feng to be so impervious.

"Mr. Qin…"

"Tang Rou, show him out." Qin Feng cut him off, issuing a direct dismissal.

Tang Rou stepped forward and gestured politely: "Mr. Ye, please."

Ye Lingyun cast one last long look at Qin Feng, knowing further progress was impossible today. He closed the box, forcing a semblance of composure: "If that's your decision, I won't overstay. Mr. Qin, no matter what, the Ye Family's door remains open to you. Goodbye."

He turned to leave, but in that instant of turning, a flicker of unmasked malice passed through his eyes.

Forget the unpleasantness? Impossible!

Qin Feng watched Ye Lingyun's retreating back, his gaze icy. This self-righteous scheming was more repulsive than outright enmity.

The threat of "The Abyss," Ye Lingyun's persistent entanglement, the lure of the Guan Zhou… forces from all sides entangled like a spider's web.

But he feared nothing.

When soldiers come, meet them with soldiers; when water rises, block it with earth.

If they dare extend their claws, I'll sever them.

If they dare block my path, I'll crush them.

No one shall stand in my way!